Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Helsinki-Vantaa is officially a non-smoking airport, but several well-ventilated smoking rooms exist airside, making it one of the more smoker-friendly hubs in Northern Europe once you clear security. Landside options are limited to outdoor designated areas outside the terminal buildings.

Before Security

Smoking before security is restricted to outdoor designated areas located outside the terminal buildings. These spots are at a noticeable distance from the entrances, so factor in extra time if you want a smoke before checking in or going through passport control. No indoor smoking is permitted anywhere in the landside zones, including terminals, shops, restaurants, or bars.

After Security

This is where Helsinki-Vantaa genuinely delivers for smokers. There are multiple enclosed, ventilated smoking rooms in the gate areas, split between the Schengen and non-Schengen zones.

Schengen area (gates 5-36):

• Gate 12 area: A smoking room in the departures area near Gate 12 has been consistently confirmed open and well-ventilated by multiple travelers through 2022-2025.

• Gate 28 upper level: A smoking room on the upper level close to Gate 28, accessed via stairs next to a bookshop. Confirmed open as recently as July 2025, with seating available.

• Gate 25 outdoor terrace (Toastery Cafe & Bar): As of May 2026, there is an outdoor smoking terrace accessible through the Toastery Cafe & Bar, located opposite Gate 25. No purchase is required to access it.

• Gate D15 area: Head across from Gate D15 and take the stairs going up; turn left at the top for the smoking area (right leads to toilets).

Non-Schengen area (gates 37-55):

• Near Gate 50 (next to Burger King): A large smoking booth right next to Burger King, in front of the Finnair Service Desk. Confirmed open as recently as November 2024.

• Near Gate 40, opposite Duty Free: A smoking area opposite the duty free shop near Gate 40 in Terminal 2, confirmed open through 2023-2024.

Important Rules

Finnish and EU regulations prohibit serving or consuming food or alcohol inside smoking facilities. You cannot bring a drink from the bar into the smoking room. The airport map (available on finavia.fi) shows the locations of these areas.

Vaping

No specific vaping policy is mentioned in official sources. Given Finland's strict indoor smoking laws, it is safest to assume vaping follows the same rules as smoking and is only permitted in the designated smoking rooms or outdoor areas.

Transit and Layovers

If you are transiting between Schengen and non-Schengen flights, note that the smoking rooms are zone-specific. Plan accordingly and check which gate area you will be in during your layover.

Bottom Line

Airside smoking at HEL is genuinely accessible, with confirmed rooms near Gates 12, 28, 40, and 50, plus an outdoor terrace at Gate 25. Just remember: no food or drinks allowed inside the smoking rooms.